Help People Learn©

People will not be receptive to learning unless they have a reason for acquiring the information you wish to share.

1. Create a proper learning environment

They have to have a vision (Imagination x Vividness= Reality), a picture of what it will look like and feel like to have mastered the learning. They can acquire this:

• When they know why and what
• When they know that there is a benefit to them
• When they believe that they can do it and are given real and understandable tools, examples, and a step-by-step plan/procedure that is perceived to be applicable to them
• When there is enthusiasm on the part of the facilitator/leader
• When they have a model/leader whom they respect
• When they feel respected and valued – feel listened to
• When they are open minded, thus the timing of learning has to be correct
• When they supported and simultaneously feel the thrill of a challenge
• When a picture is “painted” for them and it then becomes their own
• When they have a clear vision of having acquired the learning, they will learn

2. Be clear about your responsibility to assist in learning

• Do a correct audience analysis
• Provide some “ah-ha’s” for open mind.  Could be right brain exercises or a new fact for them.
• Involve them – always interactive
• Ask questions
• Provide examples of applications related to their day to day activities
• Keep it simple
• Provide opportunities for them to test it out safely
• Be enthusiastic
• Listen to them
• Accept responsibility for knowledge transfer.  Not - “Do you understand?” Rather - "Was I clear?”
• Give feedback and reinforcement
• Give them ability & time to reflect
• It is not about you but about them - use your Emotional Intelligence

3. Deal with resistance

When you feel someone is not buying in, how do you convince him or her? The word “convince” is tough, rather think “connect” with them.

• Acknowledge where they are coming from
• Respect and demonstrate understanding of their point of view
• Let them feel listened to
• Demonstrate interest in them
• Provide autonomy – people need to have a choice – thus position it as a choice
• Show benefit to them, thus you need to know what they perceive a benefit would be
• Provide relevant analogies
• Put it in their context
• Rather than “convince” ask them ask questions. For example, what do they need? Can they picture this working?
• Determine what you both have in common
• Ask for their help – people have an inner need and desire to help others
• Share how it has worked for someone else…results.  People are persuaded by evidence and examples.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm
• Follow some of the Getting to Yes Principles. (Fisher & Ury)
• Separate the person from the problem
• Focus on interests not positions
• Invent options for mutual gain
• Insist upon using objective criteria
• Carry on - do not give up
• Give them a take-away - something that they can use: fact, model, template…